Catapulting from the success of his LP, 777 with Kenny Beats, KEY! reemerged into the limelight alongside, DRAM with their feel-good collab, “Time of My Life.”
The Hollywood-based music video took a comical day in the life approach showcasing both artists’ idea of a good ass time. To the soundscapes of Kenny Beats, KEY! glides over his first verse on custom rollerblades, before DRAM links up for his feature with a bevy of dancers in the strip club. The Knockturnal caught up with the Atlanta MC KEY! to discuss his “Kelly Price Freestyle,” how negativity served as fuel throughout his career, and what 777 has en route.
Get to know KEY! in his words.
The Knockturnal: In your opinion, how does the success of 777 best exemplify your growth sonically?
KEY!: I think it’s an introduction to a myth. I think this is KEY!. So, now I can really get going on living out this reality of becoming a No.1 artist soon.
The Knockturnal: Apart from proving your lyrical capabilities as a solo artist, you founded Atlanta’s hip-hop collective Two-9. In light of that experience, how important is entrepreneurship as it relates to your legacy?
KEY!: Entrepreneurship is the only thing that matters nowadays, so my past endeavors are helping me mold my business to come. I don’t want to be just a rapper rapping on the drop of a dime my whole life. You gotta live, and with this opportunity, the world is my oyster, so [naysayers can] suck it!
The Knockturnal: What advice would 777 KEY! have for Mothers Are the Blame KEY!?
KEY!: You’re doing great kid. Everything that happened… happened for a reason after that. He and I needed that growth to be able to handle becoming major.
The Knockturnal: You’ve documented personal tribulations on wax with “Grown key,” and experienced a public dispute over royalties. How do you stay motivated to create despite obstacles?
KEY!: I hate to say negativity as well as other moments fuel my talent.
The Knockturnal: “Kelly Price Freestyle,” caused a viral stir with the “Prices goin’ up” chorus. Describe that record’s studio session with Kenny Beats.
KEY!: I told him simply I wanted to do my own Migos “Kelly Price” inspired record. I love that song. I didn’t know about [the social media] stir.
The Knockturnal: Where do you position yourself within trap culture? Who are your contemporaries?
KEY!: Atlanta culture — the trap culture is nothing but Atlanta drug dealing gone commercial. This ain’t no commercial, dawg. I really admire a majority of artists from my city. I know firsthand how fire we are, and it just so happens we are the sound of the planet.
The Knockturnal: How did your a cross-country stint with the A$AP Mob enhance your artistry?
KEY!: It made me feel big! I love them for that. It showed me what I was missing out on.
The Knockturnal: When will fans have more opportunities to see you perform?
KEY!: Most definitely! As soon as possible, I’ll be on the road all of October and hopefully never go home.
The Knockturnal: You acknowledged the untimely passing of Mac Miller on social media. What is your fondest memory of him?
KEY!: All of them — I love that dude. I miss him. Last time I saw him was at his album release. I watched him perform. He didn’t know I was there and in the middle of it. I puked, so I had to leave. Later that night we went to his crib, where I got to watch [one of] his infamous piano session.
The Knockturnal: What can your fans look out for next musically?
KEY!: Nonstop wrecking shit! I’m over not being in charge. I plan to change the emotions of the young world now.
Upcoming Shows:
10/7 – Atlanta Performance @ A3C Festival
10/24 – NYC Headline Show @ SOBs
10/27 – Minneapolis Performance @ Skyway Festival
Photo Credit: Giovanni Cardenales
